Jersey’s Gem

What would compel this diehard New Yorker to spend a mild February Sunday voluntarily crossing two bridges and driving on the Turnpike to visit New Jersey? My family drove seventy miles from Woodmere to the quaint town of Princeton for a fun escape. This place is arguably the state’s gem, with worthwhile cultural and historic attractions for local residents, visitors from around the country and overseas.

The main event is, of course, the university, humbly named the College of New Jersey from 1746-1896. Awed prospective students and parents tour the iconic Ivy League campus which has been used as a movie set. Tourist groups take photos of this weekend destination. It is a suburban town a 75 minute train ride away from Penn Station. We enjoyed a first-hand experience of that method of travel when our car broke down the last time we visited.

The university is home to the Princeton Museum of Art, a miniature version of New York’s Metropolitan, and also the famous McCarter theatre with some Broadway-worthy productions. We’ve spent Shabbat at the Nassau Inn and the Peacock Inn, both only steps away from the main drag, Nassau Street. There is abundant upscale shopping and a variety of eateries though only one venue, a frozen yogurt place, has hashgacha. For kosher dining, bring a picnic to enjoy on one of many tree-shaded benches, eat buffet style at the Center for Jewish Life or buy snacks at the U-Store or WaWa!

The Princeton Museum of Art houses a priceless collection with over 72,000 works. We took a free, 45-minute tour of the museum’s highlights led by a knowledgeable student majoring in art history and dance. She was eloquent and charming, offering insights about the art we viewed while graciously inviting questions. Our guide discussed incredible works ranging from ancient to contemporary and geographically diverse. We studied a perfectly preserved, colorful 3rd century Roman mosaic, Tang Dynasty tomb guardians, a pre-Columbian codex vase, a life-sized portrait of George Washington, a beloved Monet and an Andy Warhol screen print of “Blue Marilyn” Monroe.

While viewing the portrait of our nation’s first president, our guide illuminated Princetonian and American history. Nassau Hall, a national landmark and the oldest Princeton building, was possessed by both the British and Americans. Princeton was our nation’s capital from July-October 1783 and “Old Nassau” housed the entire government. Congress met in the building’s library on the 2nd floor where it learned the British signed a peace treaty granting the colonies independence.

The ornate gold frame of George Washington’s portrait had originally housed a portrait of King George II which hung in Nassau Hall during British rule. A cannon ball shot through a window beheaded the king’s image while leaving the frame intact. George Washington posed for an artist after winning the 1777 Battle of Princeton, a turning point in the Revolutionary War. His depiction replaced the king’s in that frame which now hangs prominently in the museum as a testament to our victory over the British.

Princeton University’s library began with students using books from the personal collection of its founder, Aaron Burr, Sr., father of our nation’s third president. Modern day libraries originated at Princeton in 1868 in a building designed specifically for that purpose. It was novel: open six days a week and employing a full-time professional librarian.

When that location filled up to capacity the current Firestone Library opened. In 250 years, the Princeton University library has grown from just 474 volumes in one room, to 15 buildings with collections totaling more than six million printed works, five million manuscripts and two million non-print items, increasing by 10,000 volumes a month, and taking up over 50 miles of shelves!

The McCarter Theatre was built in 1930 for the famed Princeton Triangle Club and houses the region’s leading performing arts center. It offers 200 theater, dance and music presentations each year for 200,000 patrons per season. It was the first professional theater in America on a university campus and won the Tony award for Outstanding Regional Theater. We watched the annual Triangle show last November and were entertained by the all male kick line. But we were more amazed by the weird Ivy League experience as all the alumni in the audience stood up to sing “Old Nassau” while pumping their fists in the air. McCarter provides a stage for famed actors and playwrights…and upstart Rafi A.

Though all of these attractions entice me, I must admit the best part of our Princeton visits is getting to see our son who is a junior there. I am one of those awed parents who can’t get over the fact that my son is living in that hallowed Hogwarts setting. After annoying him with the usual Jersey jokes, I remind him about how fortunate he is to be living and learning in that beautiful historic place. No matter the season, whether moving him into his dorm before Labor Day, driving him home around Memorial Day, or visits in between, we’re making the most of our time in this special spot in New Jersey.

Miriam was born in Cuba, raised in Brooklyn and lives in Woodmere. She reviews books for Jewish Book World, organizes author events for Hadassah and teaches private and group yoga. Contact Miriam at mimiyoga27@gmail.com.